Snack companies are growing as consumption moves from on-premises to on-the-go, said Bryan Jaffe, managing director for consumer and retail at investment bank Cascadia Capital. Jaffe just worked on the deal to sell Oregon-based family business Tillamook Country Smoker to San Francisco-based private equity firm Insignia Capital Group

Michael Butler, CEO of Cascadia Capital, expects multiple potential buyers – firms with more marketing and distribution sophistication who see value in a well-liked brand – would be interested in Oberto.

The parent company of Gehl Foods LLC in Germantown has purchased a food packaging and food manufacturing company in California that is expected to expand Gehl’s capabilities and market reach. California Natural Products was advised by Cascadia Capital.

The tree fruit industry is at an “inflection point.” Orchards are underfunded, packing facilities are underused and the fruit industry is ready for outside investors. So said Michael Butler, chairman and CEO of Cascadia Capital, in December at the Washington State Tree Fruit Association’s Annual Meeting in Kennewick.

More consolidation of companies is very likely within the next six to 24 months because new, expensive packing lines are running too far below capacity, Michael Butler, CEO of the Seattle investment bank Cascadia Capital LLC, told more than 1,000 growers at the Washington State Tree Fruit Association annual meeting in Kennewick, Dec. 4.